]]>The effects of music on the human condition are well-known. Music as therapy is something that we can all relate to. How often have we listened to our favorite music at times of stress or trouble and been able to instantly uplift or calm our emotions? The limbic system controls the body’s reaction to emotions; therefore, our brains are constantly affecting how we feel and how we respond to our feelings. Psychologists define emotions as a combination of cognitions, feelings, and actions.

The use of music as a tool for healing medical conditions otherwise unable to be treated is now a widely accepted mainstream practice. A well-known example is the recovery of Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was injured in her left brain by a gunshot wound in 2011. As the faculty of language is controlled by the left brain, Giffords was rendered unable to speak. Her successful speech recovery was therefore regained through the stimulation of the right brain through the pairing of melody and rhyme with words.

So what if we can influence our brains through specific sounds to manipulate our cognitions, feelings, and actions? Could this be the answer to overcoming learning challenges, behavioral issues such as ADHD and ADD, and cultivating self-esteem, love, and compassion?

Just as the right sounds of music can soothe, calm, or uplift us, prompting our limbic systems to produce positive responses and actions, so too can specific sounds influence and stimulate better brain function for increased intelligence and learning ability.

]]>http://www.phonemicintelligence.org/the-sound-of-music/feed/0New Neurons and Youhttp://www.phonemicintelligence.org/new-neurons-and-you/
http://www.phonemicintelligence.org/new-neurons-and-you/#respondTue, 03 May 2016 05:22:32 +0000http://phonemicintelligence.kingtidemedia.com/?p=2599The process of the birth of new neurons in the brain from neutral stem cells and progenitor cells is referred to as neurogenesis. Although this process is most active during the pre-natal development stage, new research confirms that the adult brain is also active in birthing new neurons, with the efficiency of the process being […]

]]>The process of the birth of new neurons in the brain from neutral stem cells and progenitor cells is referred to as neurogenesis.

Although this process is most active during the pre-natal development stage, new research confirms that the adult brain is also active in birthing new neurons, with the efficiency of the process being capable of manipulation through the intervention of diet and exercise, as well as learning and other lifestyle and nutritional factors.

Neurogenesis is believed to take place in the hippocampus area of the brain. It is interesting to note that this is the same area of the brain tested by Dr. Jay Gunkelman at the Brain Research Institute, USA, shown to be activated by Phonemic Intelligence (PI) sound technology. As noted by Dr. Mandal, “Studies have shown that new neurons increase memory capacity, reduce the overlap between different memories and also add information regarding time to memories. Other studies have shown that the learning process itself is also linked to the survival of neurons.”1

Therefore, the common misconception that we are born with a specific number of brain neurons, which then diminish with age, is seen as untrue. Although the rate of generation of new neurons may decline, the brain remains a dynamic command center throughout our lives, capable of constantly growing and morphing.

As Dr. Fiona Kerr, a specialist in systems and neural complexity at the University of Adelaide, Australia, suggests, “we can alter the rate and shape of both the growth and the pruning through what we do and how we interact with the world.”2 She goes on to say that “even more amazingly, we can directly alter the shape and size of other people’s brains. Once you realise this, you become aware of the profound effect you can have, both on yourself and others.” This is indeed an inspiring and imperative reason to bring more awareness and responsibility to how our own brains function and it’s maintenance of “good health.”

The recent TED talk by Dr. Sandrine Thuret, “You can grow new brain cells. Here’s how,” is a timely reminder which sheds light into this cutting-edge area of research. This video can be accessed at: Sandrine Thuret – TED Talk video.

]]>http://www.phonemicintelligence.org/new-neurons-and-you/feed/02 Tips for Using Sound as a Health Benefithttp://www.phonemicintelligence.org/2-tips-for-using-sound-as-a-health-benefit/
http://www.phonemicintelligence.org/2-tips-for-using-sound-as-a-health-benefit/#respondTue, 03 May 2016 03:18:25 +0000http://phonemicintelligence.kingtidemedia.com/?p=2583The post 2 Tips for Using Sound as a Health Benefit appeared first on phonemicintelligence.
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From musical rhythms to spoken words, the sound vibrations you hear every day affect you. Music, in particular, has been shown to organize the brain, at both a cellular and a psychological level. Music is to the brain what exercise is to the body; think of it as a cognitive workout. A study of Alzheimer’s patients showed positive results after twenty minutes of music exposure, including elevated moods, reduced agitation, and an increase in socialization. Here are two tips on how the right tones can assist you in breathing better and losing weight:

Play relaxing music at dinner time.

A sound diet may be beneficial to losing weight, according to researcher Brian Wansink, director of the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University, who used slow jazz instrumentals to allow diners in a restaurant to consume less. Wansink believes the musical ambience created a relaxing atmosphere that allowed patrons to eat slower and enjoy their meal. As a result, those who were exposed to the jazz music consumed 18% less than those not exposed to the music.

Create good vibrations

For centuries, meditations such as chanting “Om” have helped individuals stay focused and present. According to a 2011 study, chanting “Om” is shown to reduce stress, and the act of humming can bring about a calm state of mind, which researchers have found can improve one’s breathing rate and boost oxygen distribution throughout the body. Try to practice 5­ minute breathing exercises daily to get good vibrations going in your body and brain.